Understudy Joined: 11/17/04
Allison Janney Boards Hairspray
Source: Variety August 29, 2006
Former "The West Wing" star Allison Janney has joined the cast of the New Line musical Hairspray and made a deal to develop a sitcom at CBS.
Janney, who won four Emmys for her role as White House chief of staff C.J. Gregg, will start rehearsals on the Adam Shankman-directed Hairspray right away. She'll play Prudy Pingleton, the overbearing mother of Penny (Amanda Bynes) who believes that dancing and having fun is sinful.
She joins John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Christopher Walken, Bynes, Michelle Pfeiffer, James Marsden, Zac Efron and Nikki Blonsky. Production on the Leslie Dixon-scripted film begins in September for a summer 2007 release. Craig Zadan and Neil Meron produce.
On the series front, Janney made her deal with CBS for a sitcom vehicle that will aim for a fall 2007 slot
Yet again, brilliant casting. These guys haven't made one false step so far (except for not using Harvey but let's face it, Travolta will probably excel...)
I read this wrong and thought they meant Penny and I was like, "Huh I thought they cast her already?"
*goes to IMDB*
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
OMG i was thinking the other day how perfect Allison would be for Prudy. that is devine casting.
Illeanna Douglas (sp?) would have been my first choice, but this is almost as good.
Akiva
YES, YES, YES.
I'm starting to accept this movie for what it is. Barring Zac Efron, it's not going to be so bad!
They've done a bang up job casting so far. I'm getting optomistic.
Link, I love your Illeana idea.
Allison's a pretty good choice. I'm really excited for this movie!
can I say Dreamcast!
Her name never even occured to me! I really can't wait for this movie!
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/18/04
I can see it.
I was going to give this movie a pass, but with Allison Janney I may have to rethink about it.
Same with me mominator. I didn't really care about the movie before, but hearing this news this morning got me REALLY excited! AJ rules.
Wow, great casting choice. I want to see this movie NOW!
I can hear the bells.
Something just occured to me, Allison Janney was cast as Prudy Pingleton, does this mean that we can lookm forward to more wonderful casting moves for the other parts the "authority figure" plays? I vote Kathy Griffin for the prison matron!
LOVE HER, glad shes in it.
I want KG in it too.
Hairspray is opening in a heavy movie month. I hope they worked out some sort of advertising with the "So You Think You Can Dance" people.
What a perfect choice...can't wait.
i could see Lea Delaria as the prison matron. or Joan Cusack
I would LOVE to see Lea Delaria sing 'Big Doll House'. My only concern with the announced cast is Latifah; I am a fan of hers, but I'm not sure she's right for Motormouth. She's too young, and I don't know that her voice is big enough for 'I Know Where I've Been'.
I don't think Big Doll House is in the movie anymore.
I've been a huge Janney fan ever since I saw her Kate in Taming of the Shrew in Central Park a few seasons back. Her work on The West Wing is some of the finest acting I've ever seen on screen. I am thrilled that she continues to work and get great gigs.
You GO, Allison!
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/29/04
I love this idea!
I LOVE this reality! Allison Janney playing Britney Snow's Mother...we GUIDING LIGHT fans all remember when and Rejoice! Bravo Ladies, Bravo!
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